General Dentistry
Snoring and Sleep Apnea Treatment
Snoring, a sign of a serious health condition called sleep apnea.
Snoring occurs due to the vibration of throat tissues when breathing is restricted. Undiagnosed sleep apnea poses serious health risks, emphasizing the importance of proper screening. Dr. Eric Wiitala, a Scottsdale dentist with extensive training in snoring and sleep apnea, offers patients a simple Home Sleep Test (HST) conducted in the comfort of their homes. The test, involving 2-3 days of sleep recordings, is later analyzed by a board-certified sleep physician to determine an appropriate course of treatment.
Signs of Snoring:
- Snoring
- Daytime tiredness
- High blood pressure
- Morning headaches
If snoring is an issue, often Dr. Eric Wiitala can make a simple dental sleep device. This simple mouth piece will open the airway allowing unrestricted flow of air.
If you’re uncertain about having Sleep Apnea or seek help for snoring, schedule an appointment with Dr. Eric Wiitala, a Scottsdale dentist with specialized training in these issues. Through thorough screening and testing, Dr. Wiitala, along with your doctor, can determine the most suitable course of action for your needs.
Who is an Ideal Candidate for Snoring and Sleep Apnea Treatment?
If a home sleep study indicates that you have sleep apnea or snoring that interferes with your sleep quality, you are a good candidate for treatment. The question that Dr. Wiitala will ask is whether your snoring or sleep apnea can be helped by the fabrication of a custom-fit oral appliance. The form of therapy that we offer has been found safe and effective for adults with mild to moderate sleep apnea and snoring. For more severe forms of sleep apnea, the doctor may advise seeing a sleep specialist who can prescribe medical therapy to improve sleep quality.
What Treatment Options are Available for Snoring and Sleep Apnea?
People with sleep apnea and disruptive snoring may be helped by one of two clinical treatments. One is prescribed and overseen by the dentist, and one by a medical doctor. To help you sleep better, Dr. Wiitala would create a mouthpiece that fits comfortably over your teeth. This oral appliance is worn while you sleep, and it works in some way to maintain an open airway. Some appliances reposition the tongue and gently hold it to prevent airway blockage. Some carefully progress the lower mandible forward. Patients find oral appliance therapy comfortable, effective, and quite easy to use.
Are There Any At-Home Remedies for Sleep Apnea or Snoring?
The home remedies for snoring and sleep apnea are lifestyle-related. These include:
- Lose weight if necessary to reduce the amount of tissue that can collapse around the throat during sleep.
- Exercise and practice yoga or breathing exercises to improve your body’s overall use of oxygen.
- Sleep on your side. This can prevent your tongue from resting at the front of your throat.
- Do not drink within a few hours of bedtime. Alcohol can disrupt your sleep cycle and enhance muscle relaxation, worsening sleep apnea.
What Happens if Snoring and Sleep Apnea are Not Treated?
Sleep apnea involves pauses in breathing that can continue all throughout the night. Studies have shown that, after just seven bad nights of sleep, a person’s risk of having accidents increases significantly. Within a very short time, the lack of sleep can affect memory, mood, and productivity. Sleep apnea and snoring aren’t just poor sleep habits. These are conditions that cause the brain to release various chemicals that can negatively affect health over time. For example, the continued release of adrenaline into the bloodstream throughout the night can increase the risk of high blood pressure. The disruption to the sleep cycle and the physical processes that occur when you sleep can increase your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and several other potentially serious health conditions. Treating sleep apnea doesn’t have to be difficult. It does need to happen, though, so you can enjoy a long and healthy life.
Why Choose Dr. Wiitala for Your Snoring and Sleep Apnea Treatment?
Dr. Wiitala is an experienced dentist on a mission to provide the utmost care to each patient. His extensive training enables him to understand what is affecting your oral health and your patterns of sleep, how various factors may relate, and how to create change through safe, effective dental treatment. Dr. Wiitala is extraordinarily discerning when he is devising treatment plans. His goal is to ensure your comfort and wellness through care that is tailored to your teeth, your gums, your lifestyle, and your concerns.
Kind Words From Proud Patients
Great staff and Dr. Wiitala is very professional and personable
Dr Wiitala and his staff are the best – friendly, professional and knowledgeable. My family has been going to Dr Wiitala for a decade or more. It’s the best dental office ever.
Professional, excellent experience as always. Dental hygienist, Andrea thoroughly cleaned my teeth and Dr. Wiitala identified filling in need of repair before it would become a major problem down the road. This is reason I’ve been a client of Dr. Wiitala for 15+ years.
I had not been to the Dentist in quite awhile but broke a crown. Dr. Wiitala and his staff were tremendous! They were able to get me in quickly. At the appointment, everyone was friendly and professional. They communicated to me every step of the way and were able to perfectly correct my issue in a quick and painless manner! I would highly recommend Dr. Wiitala and his staff. They all were terrific!
Thank you again to Dr Wiitala and his great staff for their skilled dental care. I had my teeth cleaned by Lindsey who does a superb job, keeping my comfort in mind. I highly recommend this dental office for all your dental needs.